Keselowski began the 200-lap race from the second position, a result from his stellar efforts in the afternoon qualifying session. In the initial phases of the race Keselowski notified the team that he needed help turning corners. Despite this he was able to maintain his position inside the top five until the first caution flag of the day flew at lap 48. After some adjustments he maintained his top-five position as he restarted the race in third place at lap 54.
With the handling condition on No. 22 slightly improved, Keselowski began turning some of the fastest laps on the track. He was able to race his way back into second place at lap 55 and looked to have a car that would make its way to the front of the pack. However, the handling once again on lap 114 acted up, Keselowski found himself in the seventh position.
When the race resumed after lap 115, Keselowski radioed that his car was a “rocket” over the short run, but it continued to fall off the longer he ran. “I drove through the holes in the traffic,” Keselowski said on his journey back up to the front during the short runs late in the race. Keselowski yo-yoed over the remaining laps. He was able to use his car’s short-run speed to take the lead at lap 199 after hard racing with the No. 16 of Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Keselowski held off Stenhouse as the race went past the scheduled 200 laps following a late-race caution.
Saturday’s win marks the 14th career series win for the reigning NNS champion and one that he will cherish.
To find out how the rest of the Penske Racing Team finished up this weekend. Check the Penske Automotive Group Social Network for the Weekend Racing Wrap-Up this afternoon.
